Database Info

may I ask for some guidance?

so if you have been following my previous shortcomings with gps on my touch pro, i have returned igo8, after the tech person at the store tried as many ways as he could to get it to work, and finally came to the conclusion that there was no way for it to work.
I would like to somehow have maps on my phone, since i am in a new city and need direction. I dont have a data plan, as i am on pay as you go for the moment. from what i gather, i can download the maps to an sd card, and be able to see them on my phone, but im not sure what i have to download.
My question is, where can i download european or even world maps, to view on my touch pro, and if possible use gps with this application.
i understand that with a data plan i can use google maps, but what are my options at this point?
thanks again, and i promise as soon as this issue is resolved ill stop posting these , what may be to you, remedial questions.
hope to hear.

where i'm at tomtom is the thing really
but otherwise you can look at this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=420418&highlight=gps+maps

Google Maps is freeware. It not only connects to GPS satelites for accurate travel info. But even better, when traveling through the middle of no where, your system's cell phone signal (usually GPRS at this point) keeps you in the "general area". I am very satisfied with Google Maps, and since I have Garmins in all of my vehicles, I can say it is rather accurate.
Makes it perfect for when I travel for business!!!

Igo8 works perfectly on the TP but it has to be on one of the most recent updates of the software.
Have you tried searching this forum for threads dealing with Igo8? You should find most of the answers you need.
Alternatively, TT7 works fine, provided that you have made the registry changes to prevent GPS lag.

Best GPS Map Performance?

I know that there are currently a lot of gripes about the GPS hardware on the Raph. Granted that's the case and given also differences in regional performace and accuracy of mapping applications (live, google, tomtom, etc):
What is your favorite Mapping app to run on the Raph?
Bonus: If you're on ATT have you tried the Navigator service? I'm wondering if it provides any improvements, which I suppose would, to some, be worth the cost?
Personally I am getting pretty comfortable with Live on my WIZARD (*sniff*) but can't wait to have actual onboard GPS.
Thanks all!
BK

The mapping software you've listed cannot be compared. Live search and google are good places to find businesses and services as well as see movie listings gas prices and even street views now. TT, garmin, IGO are there to give you specific instructions how to get to addresses or coordinates eliminating the need for internet service by having pre loaded maps.

Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...

telegraph0000 said:
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know of a way to get iGo to give you routes like Garmin?
If I try to route the 5 hour trip to my parent's house, Garmin will give me a logical route with the shortest time. iGo will give me a route that it says will take an hour longer and take me out of the way.
Oddly enough, iGo's route is the same that Google Maps shows, even though the Garmin one is supposed to be the fastest time.
And I've tried both the Fastest route and Shortest route.
I love iGo, but I'm not 100% sure about its routing.

Have you tried out igo's and/or Garmin's suggested route? I'm sure you know how to get to your destination w/o gps--but sometimes Igo does make sense...which one do you find most logical? With regards to the time differences, how current are both of your maps? That may make a difference.
Odd story of mine, googled how to get from No. VA to Niagara falls. It set out a nice interstate route that would most be described as a half moon...Igo plotted a straight route all the way (yes...even through the boondocks) with the same time estimate. Tried one going up, the other coming down...and no differences in est. arrival time! I swore that my interstate 85mph travel would get me there faster...the Cletus way worked just as well...

Well unfortunately neither one of them do the complete interstate route since it supposedly takes 10-15 minutes longer (since you go further out of the way), but its an easier drive.
I guess both make sense, and they might be close in times, but I don't know how the ETA can be so different unless iGo adds in something that Garmin doesn't.
The only way that route should take 6+ hours is with stops for gas and stops. iGo doesn't estimate how many times you need to stop for gas does it? lol
I might try it again next time I go there (at the end of the month) and switch between the two and see what happens.
EDIT: Both apps use the latest Navteq maps (same version).

Great response! I'll try Igo8 as soon as my Raph/Fuze lands!
Sweeney Russ: As you point out the software I ask about is definitely not the same. But since my current Wizard doesn't have GPS I'm limited in what I can use with just the internet connection. Can't wait to try out a real GPS solution and it sounds like Igo will be the one to get first.
Thanks all for your replies!

Has anyone come across a free GPS program that caters to hiking/raster/ortho imagery?
I was using my Tilt for hiking tips but roads are not really necessary. Is anyone using ESRI ArcPad on their Fuze? I was using it on my Tilt (30 day trial) and created a few good road maps, but noticed the Fuze has trouble finding the GPS receiver through ArcPad and the app doesn't fit entirely on the screen as it did with my old Tilt.

telegraph0000 said:
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you can only use IGO8 with a SDCARD? That kinda sucks.

Hi guys,
I just got my FUZE on Friday, and spent the last 4 days setting it up! It's almost done! What an incredible machine!!
Anyways, I've always used iGuidance to find places. It's worked for me since the first version. I just set it up, and it's working well. The infamous Raph GPS lag has not prevalent over the past few days. It seems to be as good as my TyTN with an external BT receiver.
The maps are extremely accurate, too. There is a new 2009 version that I am curious about.
In any case, I'd love to hear more quick opinions about TomTom, Route66, etc. etc.
As I said, I am quite happy with iGuidance, but am always on the lookout for better warez!

ATT Navigator
ElBorba said:
I know that there are currently a lot of gripes about the GPS hardware on the Raph. Granted that's the case and given also differences in regional performace and accuracy of mapping applications (live, google, tomtom, etc):
What is your favorite Mapping app to run on the Raph?
Bonus: If you're on ATT have you tried the Navigator service? I'm wondering if it provides any improvements, which I suppose would, to some, be worth the cost?
Personally I am getting pretty comfortable with Live on my WIZARD (*sniff*) but can't wait to have actual onboard GPS.
Thanks all!
BK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I just got my fuze, and right now there is a 30 day free trial of AT&T Navigator, everytime I have tried to "Speak" just my city and state, Snohomish, WA it tells me I want to go to utah, and finding a store like Fred Meyer just wasn't on there, on a good note when it notices you taking another route off the way, it tends to re-route within seconds, most of the time just telling you to make a U-Turn, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to... I would suggest trying it for the 30 day free trial, but, I am not sure if I want to keep it past the 30 days...

double post

seanvree said:
I see you can only use IGO8 with a SDCARD? That kinda sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run it off internal memory ONLY if you have enough to cover the basic program + map(s)...
Careful with the ***ez...may skate on thin ice...
Skip ATT navigator, no cell signal (dead zones), no location..

Whaaaaat!?!? ATT Navigator uses the cell signal for location!?!? That has to be a joke, right? Amazing that I didn't realize that! Fatguybp, you're right up the street from me! I'm representing Everett. Yes, Washinton's spleen...

ElBorba said:
Whaaaaat!?!? ATT Navigator uses the cell signal for location!?!? That has to be a joke, right? Amazing that I didn't realize that! Fatguybp, you're right up the street from me! I'm representing Everett. Yes, Washinton's spleen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ,,, the maps are downloaded through the cell towers...you don't have static maps.... It does use the gps...

I use tomtom mobile, great piece of software lots of POIs and options, maps are stored on my sd card which is great I think, they dont take more then 1.3gb. Although tomtom drains my battery pretty good, I dont care since I have a car charger (you can pick one up from ebay for $3.18 or get one in walmart for $9). If you dont care much about piracy I suggest going to demonoid if you have an account and downloading the tomtom and all the directions on how to set it up are included in the torrent.

I use Google Maps what am I missing?

thehyecircus said:
I use Google Maps what am I missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn by turn guidance with tts and a working gps far from cell towers. Also lot more options to plan a trip including simulation.

Well I have 3G service, what programs are good to get? The first one on the page mentioned sounds great, but it also sounds slow and crappy.

For these GPS software with pre-loaded maps, you don't need data connection. I use iGO 8, also tried Garmin Mobile XT. They both work well but iGO has TTS and much better visual. Tomtom comes pre-loaded in some and the software is available for free (I saw some links in this forum), so just buy a map for your country/region and you are good to go.

Something i would like to find (GPS Stuff)

I really like Google maps on my Touch pro. I would really like to find an app that will overlay a speed readout in the corner or someplace un obtrusive, so I can have the maps and get a speed readout. My old motorcycle has a very inaccurate speedo, and it would be nice on rallys.
I have searched for something like this, and I have come up with naught. If anyone knows of such a critter, a hint would be very helpful.
Thanks

Tomtom does that, but of course it doesn't use Google's maps.
Last year I used GPS Cycle Computer in a rally. It's great for real time tracking and logging, but it doesn't show maps.

Tomtom is payware, is it not?
I think the Sprint Navigator does it too, but I am already paying them $150 a month and dont see why they need another $10 for their software.

Garmins have very accurate speed readings, i have never had one problem with anything garmin

Tomtom is free, but you pay for the maps. You get a free city when you download though.

Better GPS Navigation Software

Hello xda-developers
I was wonder why there isn't a better GPS navigation software for Windows Mobile cellphones (more preferably a newer one like the HTC Touch Pro)?
There is Google Maps which is fantastic but it has two shortcomings:
1. Doesn't have any sort of voice guidance
2. Doesn't reroute when you get off your path.
I've also found Google Navigator but after installing the trial version I found it to be very buggy and hasn't been updated for a few months now. Also costs $60! For that cost I can just go ahead an buy a dedicated GPS for about $40 more.
So I ask: Is there anything better in the works? Possibly an open(!) source project? Or a better presented and cheaper solution?

the best navigation software aren't free.. but there are workarounds obviously
try tomtom, or igo i love them

or try nav4all... free until 2010 and turn by turn voice direction

Hm Navi4all didn't seem to want to get any GPS sats, also seemed slow.
Nav N Go (IGo?) seems to be a european only product?
Tomtom looks like it might be worth its salt though

IGo is not European only...there is a North America version.... I love IGo after being turned on to it by a friend of mine (who also helped me with my first flash ---- props to Kareem9NBA).... text to voice, easy interface.
Before that, I used INav which I loved.....

I personally love tomtom. and its free if you know where to find it.

I'd go for Igo. I am from Europe and it has really good data even in eastern european countries, but TomTom is really good too. I think you should compare these two and just use the one that's faster/better for you.
Remember, we have PHONES that have GPS and you can't expect them to work like a GPS-only device. It's the same with the camera - no camera-phone performs as well as a standard digital camera (not even mentioning SLRs) and no GPS enabled phone will ever work as well as a GPS-only device. Correct me if I'm wrong.

...
I dunno....Garmin Mobile XT works pretty damn well on my fuze. My friend has a dedicated garmin and mine can do more than his can cause our phones have internet access.

And with the update to Garmin from their website, the POI database is just about never out of date - it includes a Google Search function to look up points of interest.

navigon ( http://www.navigon.com/site/de/de/products/navigation_software/windowsmobile_pda )
is excelent like tomtom - you have the possibility to check before you buy it (30 days)

+1 for Igo8 (from the company Nav N Go). European company, but when you use NavTeq's USA maps, works perfect.
Advantages are real TTS (Text to Speech) (i.e., speaks actual street names), 3D buildings in major cities, ability to add POI databases, logos show onscreen for POIs, etc.
A dedicated GPS does work a bit better. But how often do you have that in your pocket when you need it on the spur of the moment???

Depends on what works best for your phone really. Some programs will lag on one persons phone and then not lag at all on anothers....from what I've read around the forum anyway. I've tried a lot of GPS software and I can tell you that...
Garmin Mobile XT has a great UI and excellent maps. Very easy to use and works. Only problem is GPS lag (shows me about 200ft behind my actual position).
TomTom works great. I don't think the UI is anywhere nearly as nice as Garmin's or as user-friendly. But I hardly get any GPS lag using TomTom and if you can keep the maps updated then you should be just fine. This is what I use now.
I've tried IGO8 and Amigo. Amigo wouldn't find the built-in GPS on my phone but looked pretty nice. I didn't get a chance to test it out much because it wouldn't work, sadly....and I didn't feel like trying to make it work lol. IGO8 is great if you can get the right version. I think I had the EU version because I couldn't change KM/hr to M/hr and I was thoroughly annoyed by that. IGO8 did give a little lag, but not as bad as it was with Garmin. What turned me away from IGO was that damn KM/hr thing. I looked up how to fix it for a grand total of half an hour before I gave up and deleted it lol.
All that being said, I like TomTom. I would absolutely 100% delete TomTom and go with Garmin if I didn't experience the lag. It's just that annoying to me. But if you don't experience lag with Garmin I'd go with that.

another vote for igo
used tomtom on my wizard but I really like the UI on IGo on my serra, the custom skins that are available and the use of a sys.txt to set up a lot of preferences in the software. Lots of web resources out there for these things.
used EU and US mapping and found them both to be very good
you can add POI's in google earth kml format and the software converts them at start up - very handy but large numbers of POI's can course the software to have slow response times at start up

Does anyone use their GPS without a data connection ie: using stored maps? I tried to mess around with mgmaps for a few days but never got it to work.

eimerej77 said:
Does anyone use their GPS without a data connection ie: using stored maps? I tried to mess around with mgmaps for a few days but never got it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IGO will work without data connection (flight mode on). Obviously, you need to have the program AND maps on your phone. Tomtom will not do the same. Even though it does not need any data connection, it will not establish GPS connection in flight mode. It will work if you turn data or cell radio on, even if there is no connection available (i.e. another country). Not sure about other programs.
Hope that helps.
Mike

yeah perfect. I skipped the data plan (use the nodata cab), so I just use wifi when I can and was trying to find a way to get gps on the road, storing the maps on my micro sd card. I'll look in to it!

doctajay said:
I personally love tomtom. and its free if you know where to find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup... and yup

Where is TomTom free?
Hello,
Can anyone please let me know where I can find free TOMTOM Software/maps to download to my touchpro?
Thanks
Satish

Warez is not allowed on xda.

TomTom looks interesting however I don't think Navigator 7 has any USA maps (but their Navigator 6 does). Seems to be a product tailored more towards the European crowd

Google Maps good enough as GPS?

My D2 came preinstalled with google maps. I find it pretty cool.
Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Is it purely for navigation (such as in a car)? Also which software would you recommend?

Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens when you're lost somewhere and can't get a 2G/3G signal??

well , a full featured Navigation system will provide a lot of extra features, and is usually faster - unless you have HSDPA
just compare them (youtube videos) with google maps and youll see the differnce

cencored said:
My D2 came preinstalled with google maps. I find it pretty cool.
Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Is it purely for navigation (such as in a car)? Also which software would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a stand alone GPS. I've owned TomTom and iGuidance for my phone. I use Google Maps for everything and never touch the others. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles but to me it's much better. Everything is always up to date. You can get walking directions. You can see street view. You can see satellite view. It does not take up any room on your memory. It's free and always updated.
Between Google Maps and Windows Live Search (Bing.com), I have no need for a paid GPS program.

WMguy said:
I have a stand alone GPS. I've owned TomTom and iGuidance for my phone. I use Google Maps for everything and never touch the others. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles but to me it's much better. Everything is always up to date. You can get walking directions. You can see street view. You can see satellite view. It does not take up any room on your memory. It's free and always updated.
Between Google Maps and Windows Live Search (Bing.com), I have no need for a paid GPS program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto! No need for anything else.

I think it depends on the region of the world you are travelling in.
Google maps is totally useless here in Japan, and it has limited use in Europe (my opinion) while in US it might replace TomTom or Garmin or ...
I needed Garmin and a special map for Japan, because with Google there is no routing possible here.

Does your Google Maps speak to you? Give you turn by turn directions?

mrmckeb said:
Does your Google Maps speak to you? Give you turn by turn directions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't speak, but I can read, and yes it gives turn by turn directions. I have a speaking Garmin, and I spent most of my time reading with it, to help get where I was going.
With street view you can see exactly what the building or place looks like that your going to, I have even seen the front of my house.
Really the only draw back is, you need a good data plan, but I have that for other reasons, so for me that's not an issue.

I'm using Garmin XT and it's much faster (significantly less lag) than Google Maps with 3G...

I have to agree that Google Maps is superb, with its satellite and street views. But, is the TD2 3G radio in combination with a typical network really good enough for serious standalone GPS replacement?
Even in London there are very many weak coverage spots where data transfer hardly works (unless you're willing to hold the phone high in the air, not a "cool" sight!). In the countryside there are huge regions with very little 3G coverage and minimal 2G coverage.

For walking Google Maps is fine, you've got plenty of time to look at it and decide where you want to go, but for driving Google Maps it too slow, as it has to update the maps via download and too small a view to be glanced at while driving, all the dedicated SatNav Driving programs are fast, don't reply on a data connection (which will drop out) and give big clear directions which you only have to glance at, and not take your eyes off the road for too long.

Lots of good points here. I am currently overseas and really need some free gps guidance, so google maps is a nono. I have switched off internet access via my provider completely to avoid horror bills.
So I am looking for a reliable gps software particularly for walking, so it needs to have pedestrian function.
Any recommendations?
Garmin, TomTom, ...??

cencored said:
Lots of good points here. I am currently overseas and really need some free gps guidance, so google maps is a nono. I have switched off internet access via my provider completely to avoid horror bills.
So I am looking for a reliable gps software particularly for walking, so it needs to have pedestrian function.
Any recommendations?
Garmin, TomTom, ...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you? For Asia there is not a lot of possibilities. MapKing is one, GarminXT with some special local maps (in english) the other.

harolds said:
No it doesn't speak, but I can read, and yes it gives turn by turn directions. I have a speaking Garmin, and I spent most of my time reading with it, to help get where I was going.
With street view you can see exactly what the building or place looks like that your going to, I have even seen the front of my house.
Really the only draw back is, you need a good data plan, but I have that for other reasons, so for me that's not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Google Maps when you are abroad could be a real pain unless you buy local SIM Card .

Google Maps cannot, and I repeat, cannot be used as a GPS in the car. Google Maps even shows this warning when installed.

TyKH said:
Google Maps cannot, and I repeat, cannot be used as a GPS in the car. Google Maps even shows this warning when installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to agree with u there, tried using it once in a car and got completely lost. you need TURN BY TURN DIRECTIONS FOR IT TO WORK AS A NAVIGATION SYSTEM.

Google Navigator
Have a look at Google Navigator. It solves the problems mentioned above:
you can go online _or_ download a map for a region before starting your trip.
cu
André